Vipers seek to tighten grip on UPL summit against title-chasing Police

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Uganda Premier League

Tuesday, 4pm

KCCA v UPDF

Lugazi v BUL

Calvary v URA

Entebbe UPPC v Maroons

Buhimba v NEC

Vipers v Police (8pm)

Wednesday  

Kitara v Express

SC Villa v Mbarara City

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Vipers SC will look to tighten their grip on the Uganda Premier League summit when they welcome surprise title contenders Police FC under the floodlights Tuesday night, January 27, 2026, at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, in Wakiso District.

The Venoms lead the standings with 30 points from 12 matches and arrive in buoyant mood following a commanding 3-0 away victory over URA at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. That result underlined their growing authority as they seek a fifth consecutive league win.

Police, second on the table with 27 points, have proven to be more than early-season pretenders. The Cops trail Vipers by just three points and head into the encounter full of confidence after a deserved 2-0 victory over Calvary last Friday at the Kira Road Arena in Kamwokya.

Since a disappointing goalless draw away to Calvary earlier in the campaign, Vipers have responded emphatically, registering wins over BUL (3-1), Lugazi (2-1), Mbarara City (2-0) and URA (3-0).

Head coach Ivan Minnaert continues to benefit from his impressive squad depth, which was evident against URA when the absence of star midfielder Allan Okello, who recently joined Young Africans, was barely felt.

Midfielders Abdulkarim Watambala and Enock Ssebaggala, alongside Arafat Usama, Odili Chukwuma and forward Gusto Mulongo, were outstanding at Nakivubo and are expected to play key roles again as Vipers look to maintain their momentum.

Police head coach Matia Lule has quietly assembled one of the league’s most balanced squads, blending youth with experience. His side has won three of their last four matches, beating BUL (3-1), KCCA (2-0) and Calvary (2-0), while settling for a 1-1 draw with Lugazi.

Captain Saidi Kyeyune has been influential in providing leadership, while Deus Bukenya, Denis Kalanzi, Umaru Kasumba, Obedi Brian and Bedia Ikamba have all impressed.

Ikamba is currently second in the golden boot race with six goals, one behind UPPC Entebbe’s Ambrose Kigozi. Kasumba has contributed four goals, while Kalanzi leads the assists chart with five.

Elsewhere on matchday 14, third-placed KCCA, also on 27 points, will host UPDF at the Philip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo as they seek a return to winning ways to keep pace with the league leaders.

At Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe, BUL, buoyed by a resurgence under returning coach Alex Isabirye, face hosts Lugazi, who are keen to bounce back after a goalless draw with Mbarara City.

URA coach Hussein Mbalangu remains under pressure as his side travels to Yumbe to face relegation-threatened Calvary at Midigo Primary School. Mbalangu has lost two of his opening league matches in charge, while Calvary are still searching for their first win of the season after 13 outings.

Buhimba, fresh from a 3-1 defeat away to Express, will host Badru Kaddu’s NEC at Royal Park Butema in Hoima City, while at Bugonga Fisheries Grounds in Entebbe, high-flying UPPC entertain Maroons in another intriguing fixture.